Prosecutors recommend DOJ file criminal charges against Boeing: report

Prosecutors have recommended that the DOJ file federal criminal charges against Boeing for violating the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two fatal crashes, Reuters reported.

US prosecutors have recommended that the Justice Department file federal criminal charges against Boeing for violating the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two fatal crashes, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

In May, officials found that Boeing had violated the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. The $2.5 billion settlement deferred prosecution against the company, shielding Boeing from allegations it had defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration as long as it adhered to strict compliance regulations.

After officials determined Boeing had violated the terms of the agreement — which Boeing denies, per Reuters — prosecution was back on the table.

Reuters reported that the DOJ has until July 7 to decide whether to charge Boeing, and officials are not guaranteed to move forward with charges despite the recommendation from prosecutors. The outlet also reported that the DOJ could extend the terms of the existing settlement or propose new, stricter terms.

We previously reported that the families of the 346 victims of the two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 are calling for the planemaker to pay a fine of nearly $25 billion.

Representatives for Boeing and the DOJ did not immediately respond to requests for comment from us.